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Rachael

Girl name · 4,113 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Rachael: 4,113 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 254 births in 1991.

Rachael, a variant of Rachel, traces its roots to the Hebrew name *Rakhel*, meaning "ewe" or "female sheep." In the Old Testament, Rachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin, lending the name a deep biblical resonance. The most famous modern bearer is perhaps actress Rachael Leigh Cook, known for her role in the film *She's All That*, while in Scottish history, social reformer Rachael Stewart championed women's rights in the early 1900s. The spelling with an 'ae' became particularly popular in the late 20th century, distinguishing it from the more common "Rachel." Interestingly, the name shares its root with the Gaelic *Raghnaid*, an equivalent that has seen occasional use in Scotland, though Rachael remains the preferred form among modern parents.